EmailReviewers say the following about shopping for a steam cleaner.
- Stainless steel boilers heat water quickly and resist rust. However, heavy-duty aluminum boilers are also good. Size is important. Try to buy a steam cleaner with as large a boiler as possible in your price range. Fifty ounces will give you about an hour of cleaning.
- Continuous fill capacity steam cleaners are easier to use and safer because there are two tanks. You don't have to wait 15 to 30 minutes for the unit to cool down before refilling. These models also don't need safety caps, because you never have to access the boiler, just the reservoir. Unfortunately, these models are expensive.
- Look for a durable hose with a control switch to regulate the flow and level of steam. An on/off switch on the trigger instead of on the machine is also recommended.
- Safety caps on boilers prevent the escape of steam and act as pressure relief valves. For increased safety, cap removal should be a two-step process, such as pushing down and then turning.
- Consider attachments. Brushes of different sizes and made of nylon and of brass (to clean grout), a floor tool and a window tool are standard. Squeegees, extension wands, crevice tools, funnels, filler bottles and measuring cups are helpful extras.
- Instructional videos are helpful. We found many comments that such videos are really helpful. Videos often come standard with the higher-end machines. Either way, for safety reasons, it is important to be fully familiar with the operation manual prior to use.
Additionally, reviews say you shouldn't expect a steam cleaner to clean everything. They shouldn't be used on painted surfaces, soft plastic or untreated wood, for example, since the heat can melt or bubble plastic and paint and raise grain on wood. Also, steam cleaners don't include suction, so you'll still need to wipe or mop up loosened grime. Some floor attachments include a pad to help mop up dirt.